NEWS

A Message From Vivian

06/10/2013 - 13:44

In light of the forthcoming European and North American dates from Def Leppard, guitarist Vivian Campbell felt it would be right to let the band's supporters know that he is currently in recovery from cancer.

Vivian says, “I feel fortunate that my cancer sent me an alarm call in the form of ‘the cough that wouldn’t quit’. Otherwise, how would I have known? After several months of trying every inhaler known to man, my doctor finally had me X-rayed. A further CAT scan revealed that enlarged lymph nodes were doing wrestling manoeuvres on my windpipe – hence the cough. What was causing the enlarged lymph nodes, however, was yet to be determined, so I underwent a surgical biopsy on March 11th, the first day of Leppard rehearsals for our Viva Las Vegas shows. Obviously, I didn’t make it to rehearsal that day, but it’s okay; I know the songs by now.

My diagnosis was Hodgkin's Lymphoma and 6 months of chemotherapy is the prescribed treatment. I’m about 2 months in and feeling rather spiffy, all things considered. Hodgkin's has an over 80% cure rate, so by my reckoning, if you’re going to have a cancer, Hodgie’s is the one to have!

The reason I’m sharing this with you is because, despite cancer and chemo, me and my new aerodynamic hairstyle (read: no hair) are going on tour this summer with the band and I don’t want anyone to be so shocked by my new look that they ask for a refund. Simple economics, really.

My family, friends and bandmates have all been extremely supportive through this and I look forward to a summer full of shows with both Def Leppard in June/July and the debut of Last In Line this August."

The USA based Northern Irish guitarist has a busy schedule this coming summer. Fresh from Def Leppard’s triumphant Las Vegas Residency, the band are set to play a series of festivals and headline shows across Europe and North America in June/July 2013. For all details go HERE

In addition to performing with Def Leppard, August 2013 sees Vivian debut the reunited original Dio band under the name of Last In Line: 30 years after the recording of the legendary Dio albums Holy Diver, Last In Line and Scared Heart, and without trying to replace the singular sound that was Ronnie’s voice, the original band have started playing the songs they wrote and created together again. Joined by the passionate, powerful and unique voice of vocalist Andrew Freeman, Vivian Campbell, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Claude Schnell have united under the name of their classic album, Last In Line, to perform and tour their original songs again.

Last In Line are set to tour the UK in August 2013 with further dates worldwide to follow. For all confirmed dates go HERE

god's speed man, you guys ROCK, you guys have ALWAYS rocked!!! hang in as best as you can with your treatment! i hope you guys make it through st. louis missouri again soon. my kids are 12 and 13 and i would love to have them see you guys live. looking forward to hearing how your doing in your recovery!!!

This just goes to show you never know what someone is dealing with. I saw DL at Viva Hysteria in Las Vegas on 4/12/13 and Vivian was as awesome as ever!

Viv - You are inspiring, your positive outlook will make all the difference in the world! I and on behalf of all DL fans and everyone that relishes in your talent wish you a speedy recovery. By the way....your HOT hair or not!! I can't wait to see you play again :)

I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins 10 years ago by accident...a lump on my breast (benign) and she found a mass under my arm, which I never felt...you will get over this...I found that if I had something on my stomach my nausea wasn't as bad, but again you may be different. If you get radiation, it will make you so tired...but, again, you'll get better. And once you do, don't call it a remission...that sounds like you're waiting for it to come back...call it a cure...

Ten years ago my Non-Hodgkins was found by accident..in for a lump on my breast and a mass was discovered under my arm. During chemo, if I had a little something on my stomach, the nausea would go away for a little bit (plain popcorn is good). If you have to have radiation it will make you so tired...but no matter what...keep up the fight...you'll get through it...and if anyone says something about your new do, fuck 'em...they aren't worth your time. Your hair comes back healthier...

Dearest Viv, I admire your courage to share a very personal matter with us, but I do agree with your reason. It also demonstrates your trust in us, the fans, to also be supportive and we certainly will be. I hope you have a fun, great and healthy summer. Please make sure you get the R & R you may need, when you need it. I wish you a full and speedy recovery. Remember you are very dear in our hearts.

Hey man, you and I played a few rounds of pool at the "Bourgeois Pig" coffee house in Hollywood (on Franklin) waaaaaaay back in the early 90's. I was a fan even then and you were a very cool guy; very nice to us goofy kids (imagine a skinny red-headed punk dressed in his best grunge flannel and that was me). Come to think of it, you were probably so nice because you were kicking our asses every game. Ha. Say, I heard about your fight today and wanted to reach out. I hope you get back to 100% ASAP. With all the great music you've shared you definitely deserve it. All the best my man! Paul

Wish you all the best with Chemo and hope your not getting to many side-effects. It's probably different to the cocktails I got but I found through my chemo mates some things that helped. I had trouble with my feet and hands but vasoline and cotton sox and gloves helped, Only thing I found to help with the metallic taste of food and drink was butterscotch and when I would get sick chocolate coated my throat.
I will be happy for you when it's all over and you can enjoy the taste of your food. It doesn't take long for your hair to grow back I am constantly getting caught up in wind chimes and clothes racks.
Enjoy your guitar playing :)

Hang in there Viv!!! You can def beat this.. we all know how strong you are.. keep up that amazing attitude you have and you will be great!!! And as far as the hair? Don't sweat it! you look amazing no matter what you do!!!! ROCK ON MATE!!! :) LOVE YOU!!! sending PRAYERS AND LOVE YOU WAY!!! :)

Sorry to read that. As a very strong person, you'll go through it. You have the dearest friends as your band and family and of course, your tons of fans. You're in my prayers. Cant wait to see you in Québec City.

Def Lep should close their shows with a live version of KINGS OF THE WORLD in honor of Viv kicking cancers butt!!!! Or maybe at your last show in Canandaigua, NY because I'll be there to support! Prayers to you Viv!

Vivan, Sorry to here the news.You are in our prayers.With the love and support you have from your family & friends,Def Leppard band members,The Def Leppard family & supporters you will never be fighting this alone. Our best wishes and we hope to see you & the guys back soon in Australia "mate" .

I'm also fightingh against Hodgkin's disease, I finished chemotherapy two months ago and I'll finish radiotherapy 24th June, so your gig in San Sebastian will be special for two reaseons: end of disease threatment and three of my favourite hard rock bands 100 km far from my home....I couldn't be so happy....Keep on rockin'

Vivian, I wish you a quick and speedy recovery. I'm also a Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, 2 years in remission from stage 3 Hodgkin's. I applaud your decision to keep pushing on! I found that staying busy and keeping as normal a life as you can, helps the process. As an FYI, watch the "B" in your ABVD treatment. It's a drug that Lance Armstrong omitted from his chemo regime and I ultimately did as well; it's really tough on the lungs! Speedy recovery and all the best from a very long time Def fan!

So sorry to find this out, but I commend you for continuing to do what you love and not allowing it to alter your life in a negative way. Stay strong and I wish you the best in your recovery! UNDEFEATED!!!!

When I met in Las Vegas in April, I felt very strong power from you.
I believe that you get well soon!
In addition, I watched your new hairstyle with a photograph before knowing your news and thought that it was cool!
Sorry my English is no good,But, please understand that I always support you.Lots of love

I AM SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR ILLNESS; I KNOW YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH. MY MOTHER GOD REST HER SOUL DIED OF LYPHOMA CANCER OF THE STOMACH AND SPREAD THROUGH WHOLEBODY. SHE PASSED AWAY ON A SUNNY PEACEFULL DAY IN AUGUST12TH OF LAST YEAR AT THE AGE OF YOUNG SEVENTY-SEVEN.SHE LOVED ROCK AND ROLL AND ESPECIALLY LIKED YOUR CD FROM THE VAULTS GREATEST HITS. I MISS HER TERRIBLEY, SHE WAS A TEENAGER AT HEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vivian, you will always have our support. What's important is your strong and your musicianship is what I look forward to hearing ! Please stop by Cincinnati and you'll see how much we love you! The summer isn't the same without you guys coming by! God Speed and keep rockin' !

Your loved with or without hair. Your amazing playing is what I come to see! Stay strong and keep rockin! Visit us in. Cincinnati and you'll feel the support. The summer isn't the same without you guys stopping by!